Aquifer Management FAQs

Aquifer Management FAQs

Aquifer Management FAQs2026-08-09T14:34:37-05:00
I drilled a new well on my joined Groundwater Production Unit. I will have to make costly changes to existing wells to be able to install a flow meter. Can I just meter the pivot and not the old wells?2026-08-02T19:31:14-05:00

If you drill a new well, you are required to install a flow meter at every existing well to be in compliance. The NPGCD has a meter reimbursement program available to assist with the cost of the flow meters, but other changes and costs associated with the completing of installing flow meters is at the owner’s expense. Failure to install flow meters on any well as required by NPGCD rules is a Class One violation of up to $10,000.00 per day per violation.

Why can’t I use the beginning of the year and end of the year readings when reporting my Production by gas or electric meter?2026-08-02T19:31:34-05:00

The actual readings are raw readings and have some corrections made to them by gas or electric companies. What is actually required for the end reading is total million cubic feet (MCF) for the year for gas meters or total kilowatt hours used for the year for electric meters taken off the electric or gas bills. The beginning reading on these types of meters will always be zero. The supporting documents (monthly bills or summaries) must always accompany these type of reports.

Why do I have to use installed flowmeters to report my production when I have another reporting method which I prefer?2026-08-02T19:31:52-05:00

If you are required to have flow meters installed on your property, the District expects you to report with those meters. A backup metering method, however, is highly encouraged in case your flow meters do not operate properly or have not captured all of your water use for the year. In this case, the backup metering may be used, but the flow meters are expected to be repaired and used within 30 days.

Why am I required to pay a late filing fee for filing my production reports after the deadline for submission?2026-08-02T19:32:23-05:00

There are close to 3,000 production reports which are normally mailed out in middle to late November. A filing due date of March 1 was set by the Board to give the producer adequate time to fill out reports and gather supporting documents as needed. Late filed or non-filed reports cause a delay in total production calculations which are required to be presented to the General Manager and the Board of Directors to plan for desired future conditions. The District has also historically refunded the fees paid for late filed reports if the fee is paid in a timely manner and the following year’s reports are filed by Jan 15.

Why am I required to have an automatic low pressure drain installed on my check valves? They continuously leak.2026-08-02T19:32:39-05:00

The low pressure drain automatically opens when the well is shut down and prevents back flow into the aquifer which could cause contamination.

May I drill a well or test hole before my permit is approved by the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District?2026-08-09T11:00:18-05:00

No. Drilling without an approved permit is a Class One violation of NPGCD rules which can result in fines up to $10,000 per day per violation.

Are my well permit fees or test hole permit fees refundable?2026-08-02T19:34:05-05:00

No, unfortunately well and test hole permit fees are nonrefundable.

My brother and I each own an undivided interest in the groundwater rights of our property. He is out of town, but since I own an interest can I sign for him to obtain a permit or other documentation?2026-08-02T19:34:21-05:00

That depends. You can only sign for your brother if an Agent Authorization Form is on file with the NPGCD allowing you to do so. Otherwise, the answer is no. Your brother will be required to sign for the document as well.

My neighbor and I joined our contiguous acreage and created a Groundwater Production Unit, but I farm the land. I would like to drill a test hole. Does my neighbor have to sign the permit?2026-08-02T19:34:39-05:00

Yes. If you intend to drill on your neighbor’s property, they will have to sign or file an Agent Authorization Form with the NPGCD allowing you to sign for them.

How much of my meter is covered under the Meter Reimbursement Program?2026-08-02T19:35:10-05:00

One half (½) the actual cost of meters installed on an agricultural irrigation well is eligible for reimbursement.

When should I register for the Meter Reimbursement Program?2026-08-02T19:35:25-05:00

You should complete Meter Reimbursement Program registration with the District prior to purchasing and installing meters. Keep in mind, registration is no guarantee of full, partial or of any reimbursement. Reimbursement is contingent upon program funds availability and meeting program requirements.

If I register for the Meter Reimbursement Program, will funds be set aside for me prior to submitting all paperwork and completing inspections?2026-08-02T19:35:41-05:00

First-come first-served does not mean first to register their intention to seek reimbursement. First-come first- served does mean first to complete the entire process of registering, completing all paperwork, installing all meters, receiving District inspections, furnishing all necessary receipts to the District and requesting reimbursement.

What is covered for reimbursement within the Meter Reimbursement Program?2026-08-02T19:35:56-05:00

Installation costs, other equipment costs, labor costs and meters for nonagricultural irrigation purposes are not eligible for reimbursement.

I’ve installed my meter, but I have not received reimbursement. When can I expect that?2026-08-02T19:36:12-05:00

Meters and installations must be inspected by the District prior to reimbursements.

Are there limitations on the usage of meters reimbursed through the Meter Reimbursement Program?2026-08-02T19:36:27-05:00

Must be meters installed on agricultural irrigation systems.

What guidelines do I need to follow when installing the meter?2026-08-02T19:36:43-05:00

Meters and installation must meet District rules and be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s installation guidelines.

What are my responsibilities after I install the meter?2026-08-02T19:36:59-05:00

Meters must be maintained in good working order and repaired expeditiously as necessary. Non-repairable meters must be replaced at the owner’s expense and the owner must notify the District.

What documentation must I submit to be reimbursed under this Meter Reimbursement Program?2026-08-02T19:37:13-05:00

Participants must furnish original receipts to the District that clearly show the meter costs and serial numbers. Copies of bank or credit card statements are not acceptable.

After I’m reimbursed for my meter, have I completed all requirements for the program?2026-08-02T19:37:28-05:00

Meter Reimbursement Program participants must report meter readings annually, what crops are grown and the number of acres of each crop. This information can be reported with the annual production report or may be reported separately.

What meters are eligible for the Meter Reimbursement Program?2026-08-02T19:37:42-05:00

Meters purchased and installed during the eligibility period without prior registration with the District will be evaluated on an individual basis and may or may not receive any reimbursement. Applicants must notify the District after the meter’s installation is complete.

A meter I’ve already purchased through the program was damaged beyond repair. Can I purchase a meter to replace it through the program?2026-08-02T19:37:56-05:00

Replacement meters (replacing a meter bought under this program) are not eligible for cost reimbursement. Meters bought to replace meters not bought with program funds are eligible for reimbursement.

How long will the Meter Reimbursement Program be available?2026-08-02T19:38:11-05:00

The District undertaking or operating future reimbursement programs is not guaranteed. However, the program may continue if other funds become available.

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